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Federal Priorities
Payment Processing Reform – PFMA is working with national partners to reform the nation’s credit payment processing system, which is currently dominated by an effective monopoly of two companies who impose unjustifiable swipe fee charges and engage in other anti-competitive behavior. PFMA understands credit card swipe fees are near the top of the list of recurring business expenses, and because there is no real competition between the two largest processing networks, businesses are powerless to combat rising fees, unfair treatment, and a lack of innovation. Inflation – Working to curb inflation is a priority for PFMA. Efforts at the federal level on this front include promoting domestic energy production, pushing for “breathing room” on cost-drivers such as tax increases and burdensome regulations, advocating for policies to ease supply chain disruptions, and also supporting efforts to help customers through food assistance and other programs. Illicit Trade/Organized Retail Crime/Law Enforcement – While PFMA is focused on tackling illicit trade at the state and local level, we also support federal work on this issue and are advocating for Congress to pass the Inform Act to help address the online resale of illegally obtained goods at a national scale. PFMA is also assisting national law enforcement on this issue and others including cybersecurity and fraud. Transportation/Infrastructure - PFMA members rely heavily on a transportation network that is safe, reliable, and fast. Complementing our focus on state infrastructure development, we are also prioritizing work to promote good policy at the federal level. Regulatory Reform - PFMA supports efforts to reform and streamline the regulatory landscape on the federal level. In particular PFMA supports the creation and establishment of CBD regulations to provide clarity for retailers and consumers for the production, distribution and sale of these products in the United States. In addition, PFMA believes our members are best equipped to make decisions regarding policies such as paid and unpaid leave for their employees. Food and Nutrition Support – With many food assistance programs funded and governed at the federal level, PFMA recognizes the importance of focusing advocacy on this issue towards Congress and USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service. In addition to increased funding, priorities for the association include safeguarding consumer choice and making sure programs do not stagnate by consistently improving and adding enhancements like online access. Tobacco Policy - PFMA opposes an outright ban on all vapor/e-cigarette products and flavors and, instead, supports regulating and restricting the sale of the products to those over 21 years of age. PFMA is opposed to restrictions on flavors and types of tobacco products that will simply drive sales of these products underground to an illegal, unsafe black market. State Priorities Taxation — Pennsylvania’s business tax climate is improving, and PFMA will continue to support efforts to maintain that momentum. PFMA’s role cuts both ways on this issue, working to promote tax law that encourages growth and expansion while also educating lawmakers on the drawbacks and risks of tax policies we believe are misguided. Regulatory Reform — PFMA supports efforts to reform and streamline regulations at the state level. Pennsylvania’s food supply chain works best when the regulatory landscape makes sense and is easy to navigate. While advocating for improvements to liquor, gaming, labor, food safety, environmental and labor regulations, among others, PFMA also will push back on proposals that do not serve the best interests of the food industry. Transportation/Infrastructure — PFMA members rely heavily on a transportation network that is safe, reliable and fast. The association is focused on ensuring PennDOT, PEMA and other state partners understand this and are making the appropriate investments to ensure a consistently dependable system of roads, bridges, rail lines and ports. We also are intent on making sure the business community, particularly the food industry, is not unfairly targeted as a means to pay for needed investments, through tolling or similar means. As we look to the future, the association also is focused on the development of the state’s EV charging network and ensuring that the private sector plays a strong role in the final product. Illicit Trade/Organized Retail Crime/Law Enforcement — As organized retail crime grows in scope and complexity, PFMA is prioritizing working with lawmakers, state agencies and other partners to spearhead a policy response to give law enforcement the tools it needs to effectively combat illicit trade, which harms retailers and customers alike. PFMA also understands the serious nature of cybersecurity, data privacy, fraud and other hazards of doing business in the 21st century. Workforce Development/Job Creation — Hiring and retaining workers has been an enormous challenge for PFMA members in recent years. Businesses in the food industry straddle a variety of staffing disciplines, including front-facing retail employees, back office administrative and logistics staff, warehouse workers and truck drivers, each featuring its own unique hiring guidelines and requirements. PFMA believes minimizing obstacles and giving businesses the agility to keep up with a constantly evolving talent pool is crucial both for a healthy industry and a healthy labor force. The association also believes strongly in making sure there are opportunities for citizens returning to the workforce. Food Assistance — PFMA strongly believes in the value of food assistance and is heavily involved in both the state’s SNAP and WIC programs, representing the industry on key committees and work groups and ensuring an open line of communication between federal and state agencies and member businesses. Issues like reforming the state’s SNAP distribution schedule and ensuring a smooth transition to online WIC are key priorities for the association. Industry Opportunities — From alcohol sales to CBD, price gouging law reform and gaming, PFMA maintains a portfolio of key issues that represent opportunities for food wholesalers, retailers, suppliers and others in the industry to grow and thrive. PFMA staff are in routine communication with members of the General Assembly and the Governor’s Office, acting as the voice of the industry to advance these opportunities through legislation and policy. |
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